HomeWord - June 18, 2013

When tempted no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death. —James 1:13-15

My computer died. One moment it was on and working fine, and the next moment nothing. A blank screen sat before me as I tried pushing every button and unplugged and re-plugged cords and cables. In the end, it seems that viruses and worms had infected my computer, leaving it utterly useless. After spending hours making phone calls to the manufacturer, it took weeks to fix my computer.

I am reminded that sin operates much like a computer virus. The Bible says sin is crouching at the door. Throughout the Bible, sin is not simply an inanimate object. It is personified and active. Sin seeks us out and waits for us to make a wrong move or decision. It is not God who sends temptation, it is the evil in this world that waits and pounces when we give it the chance.

Once sin gets in, it is hard to control. It moves and weaves its way through your life until it feels unstoppable and out of control. Ultimately, it is your choice to let sin into your life. It will lurk in the dark corners until the opportunity is given for it to take hold. As Christians, we need to accept responsibility for the sin in our lives and ask God for forgiveness.

Fortunately, God also works as the master technician of the soul. When we repent and confess our sins, He forgives us, removing the sin that infects us. Yet, it’s a good reminder that it’s our choices that lead to sin’s infection in the first place. As we read in Hebrews 12:1 sin can easily entangle us. Don’t become ensnared and stopped by sin.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Why is it so much easier to blame someone else or God for allowing sin in your life?

2. What are ways that you can be active against allowing sin to enter your life?